RAVEN INSTITUTE OF MINISTRY & BIBLICAL STUDIES

CLICK ON ABOVE IMAGE FOR:
Romans Class 47 (July 31)

RAVEN INSTITUTE OF MINISTRY & BIBLICAL STUDIES

CLICK ON ABOVE IMAGE FOR:
Romans Class 46 (July 30)

MIssion Work Can Be "Tire-ing" Sometimes!

"So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up." Galatians 6:9

I don't care what you are going through--there is a scripture for every situation that you might find yourself encountering (you may just need to use your imagination sometime!)

.

This morning as I was getting ready to hit the road, I looked and noticed something on the back tire of the van that I had'nt noticed before--there was a tear in the sidewall of tire! I hadn't previously seen it because it was still holding air and depending on the way that the tire is turned it is less noticable.

.

As I stood there a little stunned I decided to look around the van at the other tires---two of them looked to be in pretty good shape but then I noticed that one of the front tires has steel belts showing throug the rubber---oops! That's not good either.

.

I had to laught to myself as I surveyed the driveway of our house: There was the ministry trailer sitting there with a blowout that we sustained coming back from the last outreach. There was the Jeep (the died on us!) with a flat tire. This must be the day that the devil thought he would slow us down by trying to kock the wind out of our sails (or the air out of our tires in this case!)

.

We are continuing to roll on in Jesus' name! You should too!

RAVEN INSTITUTE OF MINISTRY & BIBLICAL STUDIES

CLICK ON ABOVE IMAGE FOR:
Romans Class 44 (July 26)

CLICK ON ABOVE IMAGE FOR:
Romans Class 45 (July 27)

What has YOUR Church Become?

"Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen. Timothy, my son, I give you this instruction in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by following them you may fight the good fight, holding on to faith and a good conscience. Some have rejected these and so have shipwrecked their faith." 1 Timothy 1:17-19

"Your Miracle is in Reach"

Have you found yourself struggling in your faith? Have you seen your joy turn into mouring and your rejoicing into unbelief? Perhaps you have been shaken in your faith or just need a word of encouragment to help get you through a dry season--then this message is for you.

Pastor Troy preached this message during our Tuesday Night RAVEN NATION broadcast recently and it was met with widespread enthusiasm. Many today find themselves in the fight of their lives and it is taking everything within them to maintain their relationhsip with Jesus Christ.

In this message titled, Your Miracle is in Reach, Pastor Troy describes learing to move past merely "walking by faith" and beginning to "live by faith." He address three faith obstacles: 1) The need for provision 2) The need for affirmation 3) and The Need for Victory.

Click this Link To Listen Or Download

http://www.zshare.net/audio/28530061be8f5e/

RAVEN INSTITUTE OF MINISTRY & BIBLICAL STUDIES

CLICK ON ABOVE IMAGE FOR:
Romans Class 43 (July 25)

RAVEN INSTITUTE OF MINISTRY & BIBLICAL STUDIES

CLICK ON ABOVE IMAGE FOR:
Romans Class 42 (July 24)

RAVEN NATION LIVE TONIGHT AT 8:30 PM (EST)

Join Pastor Troy & Pastor Alex and the Raven International Team and Raven Leaders from acoss the United States and Canada tonight for a dynamic time of praise & worship, testimonies, prayer and an anointed message from the Word of God.

(If you have prayer requests- email them to Raven@BigGrace.com before 7:30 PM (EST) and we will have our team of International Intercessors agree with you for your need)

Who does your FAITH say that HE is?

It was a Wednesday Night and I was scheduled to minister in Violet, Louisiana at my friend, Pastor Terry Hammet's church. What was funny is that I was not scheduled to preach--but to sing! The State Bishop for the Church of God Louisiana was to speak at his church that evening and he had asked me to do a couple of "special songs."

.

Violet is a small bedroom community in St. Bernard Parrish--located about a 45 minute drive from my house west of downtown New Orleans. As we made our way towards the church, the traffic on I-10 eastbound came to a complete halt! We soon realized that there was no way that we would be able to make the service so I called Pastor Terry and told him that I would have to cancel.

.

We quickly found an exit off of the gridlocked expressway and began winding through backstreets to make our way home. It was about 7:05 PM when we drove past the First Assembly of God Church of New Orleans as Melanie said, "Hey, let's just go there since we're dressed for church." I quickly pulled into the parking lot and could see that the service had already began.

.

No sooner than I gathered up my bible to head towards the door the Holy Spirit dropped a word in my spirit for the church. I thought to myself, "How would I ever be able to give this word here. These people don't know me." Trying to dismiss the notion that I would be sharing the word that night, we made our way in and found our seats in the middle section about fourn rows back.

.

Withing a few minutes it seemed as though the pastor was tryign to say something to me from his seat on the stage. He appeared to be looking straight at me and was mouthing something that I couldn't understand. I struggled to figure it out and then just decided to walk up to the side of the platform to see what he wanted with me.

.

As I walked up and leaned into where he was sitting he said, "Are you ready to preaching tonight? The Lord spoke to me and said that you had the word for this church tonight." Suprisingly I was not at all stunned and quickly responded, "Yes I am always ready to preach." He said, "Go get you Bible and sit up here with me."

.

I preached that night and have since preached there on a number of occassions. The date was November 3, 2004 and the title of the message was "Who does your FAITH say that HE is." I was going through a box recently and found the tape and immediately was reminded of the message. It was very timely for them then--and I believe that it is timely for all of us now.

.

Sometimes "changes in plans" (like getting stuck in a traffic jam) will cause our faith to waver. It is easy to get discouraged when things do not go the way that they probably should have--but in the midst of "changes" one thing NEVER changes---Jesus Christ! He is the same yesterday, today, and forever!

.

Today is July 23rd and I was scheduled to leave for Amsterdam today to spend a week sharing Jesus with those in the infamous Red-Light District where prostitution and marijuana consumption have been legalized. As you have probably guessed--the plan has changed and I will not be leaving for Amsterdam any time soon. It was not because it was "not God's will" or that the "timing was all wrong." No--it just came down to economics---I just did not have the financial resources to go. We are missionaries. We depend upon the generosity (and obedience) of others who God has blessed financially to invest in the Kingdom Work that we do for Jesus. This time the investment just did not come.

.

Am I disappointed? Sure I am. Not because I feel let down personally, but because I know that there will be thousands of people passing through that place this week and there will not be anyone to stop them and offer them the life-producing transformation which is a relationship with Jesus. I hurt for the lost.

.

We also had an opportunity this past week to get another van. Ours is pretty much worn out. It is definitely a "faith vehicle!" It shakes in ways that it was not designed to and make noises that it probably shouldn't. We could have replaced it with a good used van for $3995--but once again it was an issue of economics. No dough---no go.

.

Times like these truly cause you to keep your focus on that which is really important---your relationship with Jesus. I am so blessed that He is not shaken by circumstances and that He is not moved by financial shortfalls. He is the Rock on which I stand. I want my testimony and my faith to declare just that:

.

Psalm 91:77 "A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you."

.

My faith cannot (and will not) be based upon what I SEE, but upon what my God has SAID! I have placed the link to this message below so that you can hear it. I think it will be a great blessing and encouragment to you!

.

CLICK TO LISTEN TO THE MESSAGE

"Who does your FAITH say that HE is?"

POURING OUT THE LOVE OF JESUS

RAVEN INSTITUTE OF MINISTRY & BIBLICAL STUDIES

CLICK ON ABOVE IMAGE FOR:
Romans Class 41 (July 20)

RAVEN INSTITUTE OF MINISTRY & BIBLICAL STUDIES

CLICK ON ABOVE IMAGE FOR:
Romans Class 40 (July 19)

The Next RAVEN Van?

WOW--we have an opportunity to get a much needed van for Raven International. The one that we have driven across the country for the past four years (1998 Ford E-150) has seen better days. It has high mileage and is beginning to quickly wear down. We have "prayed it along" this far---and will continue to do the same until God blesses us to replace it.
.
I recently located this one that was taken by a Florida dealership as a new vehicle trade in. It has had one previous private owner (used for their family) and is in great condition with many less miles than our current ministry van. The van can be purchased for only $3995 plus (tt&l)
.
Maybe God has laid it on your heart to assist the ministry in some way?

Description: 1997 Dodge Ram 3500 Extended 15 Passenger van
Miles: 92,264
Engine: 5.9 liter V8

From Seller:
It is all original paint, no scratches, door dings or dents. The interior is very clean, the seats are cloth and are in excellent condition with no rips or tears. Thier are four bench seats and two captain chairs, with 15 seat belts in all. It has newer tires, the brakes operate as they should and do not pull or pulsate. The engine is very quiet and does not leak oil. The transmission operates as it should and does not leak. The exhaust is very quiet and needs nothing. The front end is very tight goes straight down the road, all options work as they should. The van runs cool and all hoses and belts appear to be in excellent condition.

07/19/07 UPDATE

.

Friends,

.
I can't tell you exactly how the principal works (in the natural) but I know that it does---Break Through always starts out with a break! Maybe you have heard people say, "I just need a break." Well, what they need is the first break that will set them up for the breakthrough! I am believing God for our breakthrough as He has provided the break! PTL

.
Last month I received an email from a dear sister in the Lord who does a powerful ministry work in South Africa. She metioned just how difficult of a time it had been the past few months in relationship to ministry finances (we could relate!). She needed several thousand dollars to just get caught up to where she wouldn't have to shut down completely. I so wanted to help her. We believe in her ministry and we love her--but we had the grand total of $50 in our ministry account (a far cry from 1000's).

.
What could we do? How would our menial offering assist her? Then the Holy Spirit spoke to me to do what I had seen Him (Jesus) do with the loaves and fishes that He fed the 5,000 with. He "took it, He broke it, He blessed it, and He gave it away." That is exactly what I did. I took what I did have and "broke it" or I divided it in 1/2 (half for my sister in South Africa half for us) and "blessed it" ( I prayed that is would unstop the flow of resources into her minisry) and "gave it away" ( I sent it to her.)

.
I believe that was a break necessary for the breakthrough! A few days later I recieved another message that she had received her BREAKTHROUGH as a check for $15,000 arrived from a highly unlikely and totally unexpected source! You have heard the phrase "the straw that broke the camel's back." Well maybe our "break" was the straw that broke the devil's back for her! We just took what seemed small to us and stacked it upon what had been laid upon the situation in prayer and faith---and BOOM---the breakthrough came!

.
Yesterday I sent out a message about a van that we had found that would be ideal for the ministry. The van that we drive now is a "walk by faith" van! It has served us well (praise God) but the old girl is getting tired! lol We found another used van that is in great conditon and I sent the message out concerning it. The van is being offered at a great price of just $3995 + TTL (which it would be the same if it was offered for $399.95) We would still have to trust Jesus completely!

.
Today I got a message from a brother in the Lord who sent along $300 and said "This is for the Raven van." Something came to me and said, "This is the break that will lead to the breakthrough." While $300 may just seem like a "drop in the bucket" when we would still need several thousand dollars---I felt my faith SHOOT UP as I counted the "twelve baskets full" of loaves and fishes that were left over after Jesus served lunch to the 5,000 out of a little boys break-fast!

.
I don't know how God will do all that He will do--and you know what---I am not worried about it! God is faithful in the midst of our situations! What I do know is that the enemies strongholds are being breached and a breakthrough is coming! He has tried to "starve us out" by interupting the supply lines of financial resources to reach more people for Jesus---but He forgot about something! Not all supplies are delived via the ground! Some are AIR-LIFTED in to avoid traps and snares along the roadside! I have had enough of satan's IED's (improvised economic delays) and we are continuing to trust JESUS all that HE SUPPLIES! This BREAK is just the first sound in our BREAKTHROUGH!

.
Continue to stand with us in prayer and we'll be testifying to His faithfulness! He is able!

RAVEN AMSTERDAM

Amsterdam is a very cosmopolitan city located in the Netherlands. Amsterdam was the home of Anne Frank who is well known for her diary which was the basis for the book and movie "The Hiding place." Anne Frank's family risked their own lives to hide Jews during the German Holocaust. The house still stands as a museum which is visited by thousands each year.

.

While Amsterdam is rich in history and very beautiful to behold with its stunning architertural designs, it is most usually thought of as the home to the original "Red Light District." In this historic area of the city just blocks from Damme Square and the old Palace and just up the street from Amsterdam's own "Grand Central Station" sits an area rife with legalized prostitution and Cafe's offering a variety of marijuana.

.

Last year I had the privilege of joining a team to minister for a full seven days in the city and my heart was broken for what I beheld; young foreign women involved in the sinister sex trade, drugs being peddled on street corners like a New Orleans' Lucky Dog, and an endless parade of young and old alike filling the Cafe's to dim their senses via a water bong or marijuana cigarette.

.

Places like Amsterdam...and New Orleans...and Skid Row...and San Francisco are places that seem to draw me in through the enormous challenge of combating the adversary right in His own backyard. I belive that we can make a differance in places that other would like to avoid at all costs. Why would I believe such a thing? Is it wishful thinking. Perhaps it is just extreme optimism. No, the reason I believe is that I have seen the Hand of God show up in these palces and miraculously change and transform lives.

.

We are scheduled to leave for Amsterdam next Monday the 23rd and stay on the streets of the Red Light District preaching Jesus until the 30th. Today we do not have airline tickets, hostel reservations, or even the finances to go to the airport an hour away. Does that change the fact that God has called us to "Go?" No not at all.

.

The resources (about $4500 is needed to take a team of two) are there. There is no question that "where God guides, He also provides." Our God is not broke. He is not on welfare and He is not a little short this month. He "owns the cattle on a thousand hills" and "in His house are many mansions." Resources are not His problem. Obedience in regards to those resources are the problem.

.

With every situation in the Kingodom of God (some call it Church, some call it religion, some call it ministry, and some call it spirituality--take your pick) God uses faithful and obedient men and women of faith to accomplish His goals. Sometimes we obey His instructions and lives are changed, souls are saved and cities are transformed. Other times, we disobey and bondages remain and people die and go to hell without the chance of hearing the message of salvation.

.

Some of us disobey by refusing to GO while many others refuse to obey by refusing to GIVE. It was suggested to me recently to take our teaching recordings and make them available for "sale." They commented that they are downloaded as many as 6,000 times and that at $1 per download the ministry could be financed!

.

While that sure "sounded" like a good idea---the fact of the matter is "The Gospel is NOT for sale." It has been "freely received and we will freely give it away." We will never be guilty of "making merchandise of the Gospel." God has called and gifted us to preach and teach the Gospel--and He expects us to freely invest it back into His Kingdom.

.

There are others whom God has "gifted" in the areas of business and finance. They have a special ability to accumulate Kingdom Resources (money, wealth, real eastate, etc..). God has entrusted them to invest their gifts back into the Kingdom just has He has entrusted preachers, and ministers to invest theirs. While one has a very physical and tangible value in the now, the others real value will only be truly realized in eternity.

.

Both of these are of equal importance in taking the Gospel to the ends of the earth. One "goes"while the other "gives." They work hand in hand to be the most efficient and effective team imaginable---or at least they should according to God's plan. When either party fails to live up to their end of the responsibility---everyone suffers.

.

I believe that there are still those that have a passion and a commitment for God's way of doing things. There are men and women of faith who are willing to pray, study the Word of God and then GO to the lost and dying with the saving message of the Cross without fear and without hesitation. I also believe that there are men and woman that God has entrusted with vast financial resources and they are willing to give of them without fear or hesitation.

.

If we could just ever get the two parties together.

.

RAVEN AMSTERDAM VIDEO

RAVEN INSTITUTE OF MINISTRY & BIBLICAL STUDIES

CLICK ON ABOVE IMAGE FOR:
Romans Class 39 (July 18)

Raven New Orleans: Bourbon Street Nights!

Dear Friends,

I (Pastor Troy) will be in New Orleans August 10-13 doing ministry with the Gulf Coast team. We will be hitting the Frnech Quarter and Bourbon Street with a Harvest Blitz and I am expecting many to come to the Lord Jesus Christ that weeken.
.
One of the things that I miss the most about not living in the Big Easy is not being able to spend the countless days each month out ministering in the 'Quarter. I had developed so many great relationships with those who lived and worked in the area that they were like friends. Pastor Thomas tells me that someone is always asking him. "When is Pastor Troy coming?"
.
Well--I am coming! Praise the Lord. We are planning to do our Raven Street Church while there and to feed the hungry and homeless in conjunction to taking JESUS to Bournon Street as well. If you would like to help financially with this mission to "America's Most Notorious Cities" it would be VERY appreciated and VERY needed. You can give securely online by clicking the "Donate" button on the right.
.
Here is a video that I put together with some outakes from our previous Bourbon Street Ministry. I hope you enjoy it.
.
Blessings,
Pastor Troy D. Bohn
"Your Missionary to American...and Beyond!"

RAVEN INSTITUTE OF MINISTRY & BIBLICAL STUDIES

CLICK ON ABOVE IMAGE FOR:
Romans Class 38 (July 17)

RAVEN INSTITUTE OF MINISTRY & BIBLICAL STUDIES

CLICK ON ABOVE IMAGE FOR:
Romans Class 37 (July 16)

MAKE YOUR PLANS NOW!

RAVEN NEW ORLEANS XII

Mardi Gras Outreach

February 1-5, 2008

Many people (Christians) wait until the last minute to pray about what they should do or where they should go. Why not PRAY now so that you will be ready to GO THEN? I have heard many people call their own lack of preparation, "God closing the door."

.

The BIBLE says, "I (Jesus) have set before you an OPEN door." Rev. 3:8 I don;t know who is closing your doors but it certainly is not Jesus! His doors into the Harvest Fields are all standing WIDE OPEN and awaiting labors who are willing to go!

.

We need you on the TEAM that is FULFILLING THE DREAM in 2008! We are believing God for an outpouring in the French Quarter and on Bourbon Street of the Holy Spirit as His servants take the message of the Gospel to the streets of that City.

.

Contact: Pastor Troy for details on coming or on bringing a group from your church or ministry. Raven@BigGrace.com (504) 202-0939

RAVEN INSTITUTE OF MINISTRY & BIBLICAL STUDIES

CLICK ON ABOVE IMAGE FOR:
Romans Class 36 (July 13)

RAVEN INSTITUTE OF MINISTRY & BIBLICAL STUDIES

CLICK ON ABOVE IMAGE FOR:
Romans Class 35 (July 12)

"Fill Your Horn With Oil & GO!"

CLICK ON THE IMAGE ABOVE TO LISTEN TO:

"FILL YOUR HORN WITH OIL AND GO" A message that Pastor Troy Bohn recently preached on the RAVEN NATION LIVE Program. This is a powerful message that you will not want to miss!

RAVEN INSTITUTE OF MINISTRY & BIBLICAL STUDIES

CLICK ON ABOVE IMAGE FOR:
Romans Class 34 (July 11)

RAVEN INSTITUTE OF MINISTRY & BIBLICAL STUDIES

CLICK ON ABOVE IMAGE FOR:
Romans Class 33 (July 10)

RAVEN INSTITUTE OF MINISTRY & BIBLICAL STUDIES

CLICK ON ABOVE IMAGE FOR:
Romans Class 32 (July 9)

Below is a very interesting news clip from the Online Edition of ABC's Nightline program dealing with the issue of "tongues." There are few subject matters that serve to polarize the Body of Christ to the degree that this one does. I think you will find this news article (from a completely secular perspective) very enlightening on this subject.

One of the things that I found of particual interest is the fact that this scientific research proved exactly what the scripture says in regards to this spiritual gift:

1 Cor 14:2, 14 "For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries with his spirit...For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful."

People who practice of "speaking in tongues" or using a "prayer language" will often say--it is not me praying or think up these words, or utterances--it is the Spirit of God praying through me as I submit my will (and tongue) to Him.

The study revealed something that should be eye-opening to even the staunchest of sceptic. When connected to a brian scan and asked to pray in English--the scan showed increased activity in the frontal lobe whicj is connected to language. When the subject was then asked to "pray in tongues" the activity almost entirely ceased! It was though they weren't speaking at all!

THAT is exactly what those who pray in tongues say---it is the Holy Spirit praying through them---thus they need not rely on "their own understanding" or frontal lobe! It is not from the "head" it is from the heart of a man.

Something else that is very interesting is that the same test was done on Buddhist during times of intense meditation and Franciscan Monks during times of deep intercession and neither group produced the results that were consistent with all those subjects which spoke in "tongues."

You can click on this link to wathch the video yourself:

http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=2975128

Raven Institute of Ministry & Biblical Studies

Class (Class 31 - July 6) is now available online by clicking the image below.

Raven Institute of Ministry & Biblical Studies

Class (Class 30 - July 5) is now available online by clicking the image below.

Raven Institute of Ministry & Biblical Studies

Class (Class 29 - July 4) is now available online by clicking the image below.

DAYTONA BEACH OUTREACH REPORT

Our Daytona Beach July 4th Outreach has started off incredible. This past weekend we took a team to the streets consisting of Pastor Troy & Melanie, Pastor Alex & Holly, John & Danaye (Raven Space Coast). Pastor Thomas Derrick (Raven New Orleans) and Shane Patterson (Raven Amarillo). These veterans soul-winners were awesome and we saw many lives touched by the preaching of the Cross!

We went to the central club area on Sea Breeze Street just a block from the ocean. We arrived at around 11:00 PM and the line outside of the Razzles nightclub was already stretched to the street. It wasn't long before the team began engaging people in witnessing Jesus and it wasn't long after that when we began seeing His Spirit start to move in hearts and lives.

Dale, Brian and Stephanie were walking by and were stopped by several of the team members. Soon Dale was weeping and the team ministered deliverance to him and prayed for the couple who were with him. We took there numbers and will be following up with them to take them through discipleship and get them involved in our local "Beech Church" ministry.

Mark stopped me and asked for directions to a local club that was no longer opened. As we talked his phone rang and it turned out to be his wife--in Louisiana! He had left his wife and children and was planning a divorce. As they spoke she asked what he was doing and he was trying to tell her that he wasn't drunk and then he asked me to get on the phone and vouch for him! I got on the phone as Pastor Alex and Pastor Thomas spoke to him and found out the real story behind him leaving home.

After hanging up with his wife I pretty much rebuked him and called him on the carpet as to how he was treating his wife and kids. The Lord convicted him and he ended up getting on his knees outside of the bar and asking Jesus to save him. He then got on the phone and asked his wife to forgive him so that they could began working on getting reconciled!

Towards the end of the evening (3:00 AM) John and Danaye brought over Joshua, who had walked away from the Lord, but was now on the comeback! He kept saying, "Thank you all for coming out here! Thank you so much for being so bold to come where there are people like me!" We ended up kneeling down in the entrance to an all-night pizza shop to pray for him and he called out, "Please someone lay hands on me and pray for me!" It was awesome as he wept and thank everyone for there obedience to "GO"!

CLICK TO WATCH A VIDEO OF THE NIGHT

Raven Institute Classes

The classes being offered FREE from the Raven Institute of Ministry & Biblical Studies have been powerful times of being instructed, inspired and challenged by the Word of God. If you have not personally been a part of these studies--consider making a commitment now to joining this life changing opportuniity.

.

For those who are unable to join the LIVE class offered each day from 9 - 10 AM (EST), these classes are being made available here on our website for FREE DOWNLOADING! You can scroll through our archives to see and listen to all of the previous classes. The classes are offered each day (Monday - Friday) unless travel restrictions prevent Pastor Troy from being in the studio that day.

.

This semester is an expository look at the Book of Romans which is truly the Magna Charta of the New Coventant and is loaded with the powerful doctrines of the Christian faith! Our most recent class (Class 27 - July 2) is now available online by clicking the image below.

.

Class (Class 28 - July 3) is now available online by clicking the image below.